NOMINATED – CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS – BIOSAaron Barnhart, Westfield BankAaron Barnhart – I’ve spent the last thirteen years of my career in Retail Banking. My current role is VP, Retail Sales Manager at Westfield Bank where I’m responsible for sales efforts and training for our eight retail locations here in Northeast Ohio. Prior to Retail Banking, I spent five years as an officer in a different capacity; as a State Trooper for the Ohio Highway Patrol. I’m a graduate of the University of Akron with a B.S. in Business Administration /Finance. I also graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. Westfield Bank is a community bank that prides itself in being big enough to meet customer needs yet small enough to know their names. In addition to my day-to-day responsibilities at the bank, I’ve served on the Board of Directors of the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce for the last three years in the role of Treasurer. I’m also an active member at The Chapel in Akron and have participated in a mission trip to South Africa.

Jake Ricker, PNC BankJake Ricker of PNC Bank is an excellent example of an outstanding business leader, chamber member and honorable man. Jake is dedicated to the community and invests his personal time and talent to better Cuyahoga Falls. However, what sets Jake apart from so many others is his strong work ethic, commitment to others and kind hearted attitude. Jake embodies the phrase “service to others above self.” He is extremely compassionate, has a working knowledge of best business practices and leads by example. He is most certainly humble and acts only in the best interest of others and his community. Jake has proudly lived in Cuyahoga Falls for 51 and is deeply invested in keeping Cuyahoga Falls one of the best places to live and work. He raised 4 beautiful children in the Falls and is advocate for the schools, neighborhoods and businesses. He is loved and adored by his family, friends and neighbors. Jake is the longest standing Cuyahoga Falls Chamber board member. He stepped in to fill David Fox’s term ending in 2007, was then elected to fill an open seat with terms ending in 2012 and again in 2015. He also served as the chamber president by taking over the term of T. Dirker whose term ended in 2007. He was then re-elected to a 3 year presidential term ending in 2010. During those terms, Jake did an outstanding job of leading and representing the chamber. Jake was well respected by fellow board and chamber members. During past and present board terms, Jake takes an active role on the board. He is known for asking critical questions, opening dialogue on important topics, volunteering to help whenever and wherever needed. He champions the good works done by the organization and serves the membership well by welcoming new members, guests and speakers. He is always looking for ways to connect members and promote other businesses. Jake is known for his calm demeanor and helps to ensure that all chamber events and activities go smoothly whenever possible. Jake has served on every single committee for the chamber and volunteered countless hours. He has served on the following committees: golf, Night at the Races, holiday party, membership, scholarship, Business Person of the Year and speaker’s committee. He has served as the chair for several of the committees and donates consider time ensuring their success. Having personally done business with Jake and PNC, I have firsthand knowledge of Jake’s role as a business leader. Jake is well liked, admired and respected by his staff, customers and fellow business leaders. He is committed to his customers and is often credited for going the extra mile. He understands the importance of building and sustaining business relationships, providing good customer service and being a mentor to his staff. Jake’s list of community involvement speaks to his character. He was a CYO coach for over 15 years. He coached flag football, basketball, volleyball and basketball. Jake brought his level head and desire to teach when he coached Cuyahoga Falls Youth Soccer. He was a founding member of the CFASA- Cuyahoga Falls Alumni Soccer Association and has been a member of FOGS (Falls Old Guys Soccer) since 1998. Additionally, Jake has served as a precinct committee person and on the YMCA Board. Also, Jake is currently serving on the Western Reserve Hospital Community Business Leaders Council and Lemonade Day Judge for the past 3 years. He is a member of the Cuyahoga Falls Schools business advisory council and serves on the Building Our Future Council. Furthermore, Jake is very active in his church and is a member of his church’s finance council. In addition, Jake supports many local non-profit organizations by attending and supporting their fundraising efforts and responding in their time of need. I am honored to call Jake a colleague and friend and believe his service to our community is worthy of recognition. Respectfully submitted by Kathy Romito.

Brent VanFossen, Metropolis Popcorn
My name is Brent VanFossen. I have been the owner of Metropolis Popcorn since October 2012. Throughout the past three years, I have enjoyed the variety of ways the business has allowed me to connect with others, whether it is through providing corporate gifts for fellow business leaders, or helping organizations earn money through our fundraising program. I joined the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce shorty after purchasing Metropolis in 2012. In 2014, I was appointed to a vacant seat on the Board of Directors. In December of the same year, I was honored when the Board elected me Secretary. Since that time, I have Chaired or Co-Chaired the Health Expo, Night at the Races, Nominating and Speakers committees. I have been married to my wife, Margaret, for 14 years. We have lived in Cuyahoga Falls since 2003. We have two beautiful daughters, Rachael and Eliza. Both girls attend Redeemer Christian School. In my spare time, I enjoy coaching softball, playing basketball and serving as an usher at church. Thank you for considering me as a candidate for the Board of Directors.

Greg began TGG Enterprises, Inc. in 2004 after retiring from a career in banking with his last position leading a 1 billion community bank headquartered in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Greg’s success in community banking was a result of focusing on the real needs of the communities residents and local small businesses. Leaving the chase for the bigger business accounts to the major banks and instead meeting the small business needs resulted in above-peer growth. Focus was on creating numerous good jobs while being actively involved in community groups and events. After the bank was sold, Greg consulted with the YMCA and University Hospital to help complete over-budget joint projects and set in place the processes for a smooth transition of YMCA leadership to a new dynamic team to lead the Cleveland YMCA toward a stable and secure future. TGG Enterprises Inc was formed from Greg’s passion is to educate and advocate for local small business owners to effectively compete in the internet world and to thrive in the resulting complex marketplace when faced with limited marketing budgets. Viable local businesses owned by local residents is vital for strong communities. Greg is a graduate of Stow Munroe Falls High School and the University of Akron. He additionally has earned a masters and MBA from Baldwin Wallace, and advanced banking executive courses at Michigan State University. Greg has served on numerous corporate and non-profit boards in the past. Greg earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1973 and is active in his church, Christ Community Chapel. He is the proud father of two children; daughter Alyssa who is a lieutenant in the US Navy, and son Bobby who graduated last year from Kent State with an International Relations degree, speaks 5 languages and currently works in Argentina.

Ed Husbands, Summit Villa Care CenterI received my Business Management Degree from John Carroll University in 1978. I have lived in the Cuyahoga Falls/Silver Lake area for the past 11 years. I have been working as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator for the past 30 years and am very passionate about taking care of people who can’t take care of themselves. Currently, I work at Summit Villa Care Center. I also serve on various committees and volunteer for the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce with regular attendance at events. When not working, I spend the majority of my time with my 14 year old son (Dalton) who attends Cuyahoga Falls High School. My son plays Basketball, Football, and has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Together we are in some fantasy football leagues and find us rooting for our players instead of our favorite teams. I cannot express what a pleasure it is to be a Father at a later age. He keeps me young by the day. It is a pleasure sharing some of the important people and things in my life that you can be a part of.

Kevin Keeney, AlbedaAllow me to introduce myself, my name is Kevin Keeney. I have been called several names, but one that sticks out is “Home Alone” since I was in Boy Scouts of America growing up. It’s not because of that was homeless rather who I look liked. I knew then as much as I knew now that I didn’t get to where I am today by myself. I am eternally grateful for the support from my family, friends and community of Northeast Ohio. Knowing where I came from helps me to persevere through the tough times and keeps me humble in the greatest of times. I have a background in working with computers since I was a child and enjoyed every minute of it. I turned that passion into a cloud service company called Albeda that I co-founded in 2012. While running Albeda, I am also a student in his senior year at the University of Akron, a member of the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce and participating in a great organization, The Rotary Club of Akron, that meets every Tuesday at the Portage Country Club. By Spring 2016, I am excited to say that I’ll have graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management. Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce was an organization that I knew I wanted to be a part of since I first started my business because of the community aspect of it. I thoroughly enjoy being an active member attending the many events that take place and I don’t have any regrets of joining. These businesses within the chamber support one another, and together they’re strengthening the local economy. That is why I am honored to be nominated for upcoming board member election.

Allen Mangus, Riverfront YMCAI have worked for the YCMA since August of 2008, starting at the Lake Community YMCA as a Child Care Director, moving into the Youth & Adult Sports Director role and finishing as the Associate Executive Director. I have been the Executive Director of the Riverfront Family YMCA since January of 2014. At the Riverfront Family YMCA, I oversee day to day operations of the branch and supervise over 150 staff. We are for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility for the community of Cuyahoga Falls. I currently volunteer as a Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. I also serve on the Business Advisory Council in Cuyahoga Falls. I am a member of the Lions Club in Cuyahoga Falls, and a member of the Rotary Club in Stow. I am regularly involved with Akron Round Table. I have previously served as a board member on the Lake Township Chamber of Commerce. I have been married to my beautiful wife Kristi since 2005. We have three beautiful children, Karlyn, Colton & Peyton. We enjoy being active in the community, being outdoors, and playing sports.

Kassie Shaffer, Fresche CateringMy name is Kassie Shaffer and I am from Hubbard, OH. I graduated in 2010 from Youngstown State University with my bachelors degree in Hospitality Management. I moved to Akron in 2010 to continue my career in hotel management after spending five years in the industry. Upon moving to Akron I managed a hotel property in Cuyahoga Falls for 4 1/2 years. During this time I started a catering company with my fiancé Nick Rickard called Fresche Catering. Bringing a different approach to catering, we build custom menus according to what you want to serve your guests. Our presentation is professional and entertaining and we enjoy bringing the party to you by cooking on location and creating an experience with breathtaking cuisine from the finest ingredients, immaculate service and enduring dedication to excellence.

Ashley Zampelli, Party People, LLC
Even though Ashley was born and raised in Akron, she has been part of the Cuyahoga Falls community most of her life. She attended the Woodridge Local School system, graduating from Woodridge High School in 2005. In 2009, Ashley graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Minor in Criminal Justice Technologies, along with extensive course work in Musical Theater. Ashley held a number of jobs during college that helped build the foundation in the career she holds today. With a passion for theater and an interest of entrepreneurship, in the Spring of 2014, she was able to combine the two, creating her company Party People, LLC. Party People, LLC is a princess and superhero character company that customers can hire for birthday parties and events. With a well qualified staff of musical theater experience, we offer a variety of different activities and interactive experiences for children of all ages. With a five star Facebook rating, Party People LLC. can safely say we live up to our mantra, “we bring a song and a smile to Northeast Ohio”. Ashley also was the chair of Food for Fashion-Fashion Show, Food Drive in 2011, on the committee for HALO Foundation in 2011, on the Akron Italian-American Committee in 2012 &13, and was awarded the Andrea Teodosio Young Adult Service Award in 2013.

PLEASE NOTE:Each Chamber Member company may submit only 1 ballot with votes and must be a member in good standing with the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce to vote. All ballots must be filled out completely and signed to be accepted.